Skip to main content

The legacy of Tommy Heinsohn

By

    We just witnessed a season of Celtics basketball that didn't go as expected, given such high hopes. We were left with the loss of Mr Celtic, Tommy Heinsohn, the guy who was part of in some way, shape or form of all 17 titles. What a major loss for the Celtics organization and the fans who would choose the hometown broadcast over any national broadcast to get to listen to our beloved Tommy. 

     His legacy was not only as a player, but a coach and broadcaster, and some may say like an Uncle to all Celtics fans. As a player he was ROY in 1957, the same year Bill Russell came into the League. He made six all star games  and won 8 - yes 8 - titles! He had his number 15 raised to the rafters at the Boston Garden! What's amazing is as a rookie in game-7 he played a major role in the Celtics securing the championship that year. He is in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player.

     As a coach he won two NBA titles leading the Celtics in 1974 and 1976 to glory. He was Coach of the Year in 1973 and received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. His teams were no-nonsense and hard-working, players who definitely were cast in his likeness. He was inducted as a coach into the Basketball Hall of Fame. 

     In 1981 he joined Mike Gorman as the Celtics color commentator and we can all say Celtics games would never be the same. His passion and love for the Celtics was evident and honestly he was sometimes the best part of the game. Who on any Celtic team didn't want to earn a Tommy Point? The Holy Cross product had a true knack of getting on those officials who definitely didn't see green and white like Tommy did. Tommy needs to be inducted into the Hall as a broadcaster. 

     What an amazing career on the court for Tommy. He gave Celtics fans a lifetime of memories, whether as a player, coach or broadcaster. We can all say if he were around during this mediocre season at least he would have been a bright spot for Boston fans. There were times I'm sure we all heard him saying "that's a Tommy Point" or "that call was bogus"! Here's hoping Tommy can eventually see banner 18 but from just a higher vantage point! 

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Elm Street Nightmare

By
 A true-and-suspenseful horror tale of haunting, homicides and the hunt for triple-murderer, Daniel Laplante - as told by the cops that were there By Lt. Thomas Lane (Ret.)  Daniel Laplante - cold, calm, clever, calculating- Photo: YouTube   Elm Street  surfaces on six (6) occasions in the Laplante saga: 1.) He  resided on Elm Street  in Townsend, Massachusetts  2.) He  kidnapped a woman  at gunpoint on  Elm Street, Pepperell , Massachusetts 3.) That kidnapped woman fled to the Gillogly residence on Elm Street after escaping from the armed fugitive, Laplante. 4.) He was arrested and transported to Massachusetts State Police Barracks on Elm Street in Concord . 5.) He was  tried, convicted   and sentenced for the murders at  Superior Court , corner of  Elm Stree t and Gorham Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. 6.) The author, Thomas Lane, lived on Elm Steet, Pepperell, Massachusetts while a police Sgt./Lt. for the t...
23 comments
Read more

A sorrowful farewell to Kitty's Restaurant (North Reading, MA) as a family tradition

By
  Time to say "Goodbye" to Kitty's Restaurant - my   family's destination and tradition for six generations and more than 80 years. My memories of Kitty's go back to the early-1950's . I would accompany my dad and grandfather on fishing trips to the Ipswich River in North Reading, Massachusetts - followed by a visit to the restaurant on Main Street. In later years, my wife, Linda, and I would eat there with our two kids, Marc and Lisa - and years later - with our two grand daughters - and still later - with our great grandson, Carson. Author and family at Kitty's approx. 10 years ago Kitty's never disappointed. The drinks were big and well-made . The food was terrific - as were the portions. The service was exceptional and we became well-acquainted with the waiters and waitresses. It all worked so very well for many decades. My grand daughter, Courtney , was particularly fond of the restaurant. She was born with cystic fibrosis , and during her fr...
14 comments
Read more

Did the Celtics Kevin McHale really have a wingspan of 8-feet?

By
According to many sources, the Celtics Kevin McHale did indeed have an estimated wingspan of 8-feet. One of those sources is Wikipedia, as seen below: Kevin McHale American basketball player DescriptionKevin Edward McHale is an American retired basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Boston Celtics. He is a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, and is regarded as one of the best power forwards of all time. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. Wikipedia Born: December 19, 1957 (age 61 years), Hibbing, MN Wingspan: 8′ 0″ Height: 6′ 10″ Spouse: Lynn McHale (m. 1982) NBA draft: 1980, Boston Celtics (Round: 1 / Pick: 3) Hall of fame induction: 1999 Number: 32 (Boston Celtics / Power forward, Center) Kevin was listed at 6'10" tall when he was drafted with the 3rd pick in the 1980 draft. Red Auerbach, in yet another heist, brought in both McHale and center Robert Parish (via trade) prior to the Celtics' 1980-81 Champion...
2 comments
Read more